When to Replace a Patio Door

Knowing the signs of when to replace a patio door can make a big difference for your home. It can save you a call to a repair company. It can also steer you toward buying a new patio door. Here are some things to look for before you replace a patio door.

Patio Door Difficult to Open

If your patio door doesn’t lock anymore or it’s tough to open and close, it’s likely a good time for patio door replacement. Broken hardware can show the door’s age and a permanent fix is likely better than stop-gap fixes. 

A sliding patio door that no longer opens and closes with ease can signal roller issues. If your sliding glass door has roller issues, it’s a sign to replace it. A difficult-to-open patio door can also mean warping. A warped patio door needs replacing because it can lead to greater air infiltration into your home. Marvin Replacement Ultrex® fiberglass patio doors resist warping better than vinyl patio doors.

Broken Patio Door

A damaged patio door can indicate an immediate replacement need. Patio doors that don’t lock, have broken parts, or damage to the frame can indicate it is time to replace. Damaged patio doors can lead to water issues and provide a path for bugs and pests to enter your home.

High Energy Bills

If you hear the rumble of your furnace or air conditioner too often the issue might stem from your patio door. Gaps, worn-out caulk, and weatherstripping can open paths for air to enter and escape your home. You can remove and replace caulk and weatherstripping. If the problem persists, you’re likely looking at sliding glass door replacement. A home energy audit can help pinpoint the problem. Older patio doors can lack energy efficient glass coatings that can help reduce the transfer of heat. A new patio door with the right low emissivity coating can help with your home’s energy efficiency.*

Gap in Patio Door

As a home settles patio doors can start to warp. Vinyl is prone to warping because it expands and contracts as temperatures change. Our Ultrex fiberglass expands 87% less than vinyl to offer a sturdy patio door material. Expansion and contraction can also lead to seal failure. Patio doors have a seal between the panes of glass to keep an insulating, inert, non-toxic gas inside. A seal failure can lead to condensation between the glass panes.  

Condensation on Patio Doors

Condensation between window panes signals a problem. It means the seal between the panes has failed, and the inert gas used to fill the space for energy efficiency has escaped. When a seal fails, replacement is the best option.

Patio Door Leaking Water and Stains

Watch out for any signs of water near a patio door. If you see water between door panes, excess condensation, leaks, or water stains, it’s a sign to consider patio door replacement. Excess moisture can lead to bigger problems like wood rot as well as mold, mildew, and warping.

Drafty Patio Door

Drafty patio doors can lead to increased energy bills and colder rooms. Windows and doors with low conductivity reduce heat loss in homes, which can lower energy bills.*  Our Ultrex fiberglass patio doors are 5,000x less conductive than aluminum. That means homes keep more heat in winter and stay cooler in the summer.

Patio Door Out of Style

Depending on the age of your house, your patio door might’ve had a better time in a previous decade. Home designs change and as you’ve updated other parts of your home, your patio door can look out of place. If that’s the case, it’s a sign to replace your patio door. You can find the look that fits your home the best with our patio door features and options,

Improve Your Backyard Look

Upgrading your patio door can improve the look of your home and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. A patio door unlocks your home to expanded entertaining space. You can move with ease from the kitchen to the patio or deck with a sliding glass door. A bi-fold patio door creates stunning views and appeal for your home.

Patio Door Repair vs. Patio Door Replacement Cost

Deciding whether to repair a patio door or replace it comes down to the extent of the damage. Patio door repair might make more sense if you have broken wheels or a bent track. If the patio door has more damage, like broken glass or warping, replacement is the better way to go. Marvin Replacement patio doors are available in swinging, sliding, and folding styles.

* Savings reflects installing ENERGY STAR certified products compared to non-certified when replacing single pane windows based on the average savings among homes in modeled cities. Actual savings will vary by product type, location, method of installation, individual home characteristics, local climate and conditions, utility rates and other factors.